White teeth Flashcards

(32 cards)

1
Q

What is the primary theme of ‘White Teeth’ by Zadie Smith?

A

The complexities of multiculturalism and identity in contemporary London.

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2
Q

Who are the two main families featured in ‘White Teeth’?

A

The Jones family and the Iqbal family.

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3
Q

True or False: ‘White Teeth’ explores the impact of history on personal identity.

A

True.

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4
Q

Fill in the blank: The character Samad Iqbal struggles with his _____ identity.

A

Bangladeshi.

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5
Q

What profession does Archie Jones have at the beginning of the novel?

A

Designer of folded paper materials for a printing firm.

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6
Q

Multiple Choice: Which character is a geneticist in ‘White Teeth’?

A

Magid

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7
Q

What event does the title ‘White Teeth’ refer to?

A

It is a metaphor for cultural assimilation and the legacy of colonialism

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8
Q

Short Answer: What is the significance of the character Samad’s struggle with his children?

A

It reflects the conflict between traditional values and modern British culture.

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9
Q

True or False: The setting of ‘White Teeth’ is primarily in the United States.

A

False.

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10
Q

Fill in the blank: The character Millat Iqbal becomes involved with a radical _____ group.

A

Islamist.

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11
Q

What is the relationship between Archie Jones and Samad Iqbal?

A

They are best friends and war buddies from World War II.

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12
Q

Multiple Choice: Who is the author of ‘White Teeth’?

A

A) Zadie Smith B) Salman Rushdie C) Hanif Kureishi D) Kazuo Ishiguro

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13
Q

What role does the character Irie Jones play in the narrative?

A

She serves as a bridge between the two families and explores her mixed heritage.

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14
Q

Short Answer: How does Zadie Smith use humor in ‘White Teeth’?

A

To address serious themes and provide commentary on cultural differences.

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15
Q

True or False: The novel addresses issues of race and class in British society.

A

True.

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16
Q

Fill in the blank: Samad Iqbal’s wife is named _____ Iqbal.

17
Q

What is the significance of food in ‘White Teeth’?

A

It symbolizes cultural identity and the blending of diverse backgrounds.

18
Q

Multiple Choice: Which character is known for their rebellious nature?

A

A) Irie Jones B) Millat Iqbal C) Samad Iqbal D) Archie Jones

19
Q

Short Answer: How does the narrative structure of ‘White Teeth’ contribute to its themes?

A

It employs a non-linear timeline that reflects the complexity of identity and heritage.

20
Q

True or False: ‘White Teeth’ was Zadie Smith’s debut novel.

21
Q

Fill in the blank: The story spans _____ generations of the Jones and Iqbal families.

22
Q

What is one major conflict that arises between the characters in ‘White Teeth’?

A

The clash between traditional values and modern British life.

23
Q

What literary devices does Zadie Smith often use in ‘White Teeth’?

A

Irony, symbolism, and multicultural dialogue.

24
Q

Multiple Choice: What does the character Millat Iqbal represent in the novel?

A

A) Assimilation B) Rebellion C) Tradition D) Isolation

25
Short Answer: Describe the importance of the setting in 'White Teeth'.
It reflects the multicultural landscape of London and influences character development.
26
What does the white teeth symbolise in White teeth?
Ultimately, teeth are a shape-shifting symbol in the text, highlighting issues of race, history, and relationships between characters and their families.
27
What is the future mouse and what does it symbolise?
The novel proposes no easy to solution to racism or anti-immigrant attitudes, but it does suggest that people of color can find and claim independence for themselves, like the FutureMouse. The FutureMouse is Marcus Chalfen’s genetic experiment, a mouse with altered DNA that Marcus uses to demonstrate the progression of disease and aging. The mouse’s genetic makeup is changed so that certain traits associated with the disease develop at a predictable rate: Chalfen’s idea is to exercise total control over a being, its characteristics, its development, and, ultimately, its death.
28
Circular and apocalyptic time Hortense (31-33 “For Time was running out…”) Archie and Samad discussing Dr Perret (119-22 “What I have realized” to “entering life”)
****Hortense feels time is running out and she is preparing for the End of the world. The end of the world is nigh, they have thought is was 1914, 1925, now 1975. Those who were alive in 1914 would live to see Armageddon. **Generations speak** to eachother.Dr Perret chooses who shall be born and who shall not. He wants control, to dictate the future. I am a man, a son, and a beliver, I will survive the last days. (circular)
29
Luck and chance Clara (227 “Man, I’m terrified” to “luck and faith”; 45 “Perhaps it is not so inexplicable”; 48-49 “No white knight then” to “future happiness”) Archie (11 “But dying’s no easy trick”; 13 “I’m old” to “20/20”; 13-14 “Once the car” to “same as everyone else’s”)
You Bowden's have seen worse than this! your mother was born in a bloody earthquake. Kingston's fall apart and Hortense pops out... Luck and faith said Clara. For ridding oneself of faith is like boiling sea water to retrive the salt. Something is gained but something is lost. no white knight, this archibald jones. no aims, no hopes, no ambitions. But there are second chances in life , oh yes there are second chances in life. he was no great beliver in destiny, however predestination had ensured his life had been picked out for him like a company christmas present -early, and the same as everyone elses
30
Causes and consequences Samad (102-103 “Oh no, Archibald” to “the man breathes”; 193 “If religion is the opium”; every mention of “the tickle in the sneeze” [for instance, 235, 260]) Shiva (146 “Too much history” 202 “No, man, history, history”)
our accidents will become their destinies, ¨ it makes not difference whether you belive in allah or buddah or jesus.
31
Alsana (80-83 “But the past is made of more than words” to “Back, back, back”, 210-11 “To Alsana’s mind” to “black skies”)
32